Mesh Reinforcement Device with Hooks for Incisional Hernia Prevention
Solution Overview
Problem
Incisional hernias are a common complication following surgeries like laparotomy, with high incidence rates ranging from 15-40%, leading to significant healthcare costs and increased morbidity and mortality, due to insufficient closure strength of surgical incisions.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible mesh reinforcement device with integrated hooks and apertures is used to reinforce surgical closures, providing additional tensile strength by suturing the device to the patient's fascia, thereby reducing the likelihood of incisional hernias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If surgical closure is performed without reinforcement, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the closure strength is insufficient leading to high incidence of incisional hernias
Solution Approach 1:
A mesh reinforcement device is introduced as an intermediary element between the fascial edges to provide additional structural support. The mesh acts as a mediator that distributes tensile forces across a broader area, preventing direct stress concentration on the suture line while maintaining closure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system combines multiple materials with different properties: sutures for initial approximation, mesh for structural reinforcement, and potentially bioabsorbable or permanent materials depending on the specific implementation. This composite approach leverages the strengths of each material to achieve superior closure strength.
2Reliability
If mesh reinforcement device is used to enhance closure strength, then incisional hernia incidence is reduced, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh reinforcement device is prepared and positioned before final suturing is completed. By establishing the reinforcement framework in advance, the subsequent suturing process becomes more efficient as the mesh provides a pre-formed structure to attach to, reducing overall surgical time despite the added component.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure process is divided into distinct phases: initial fascial approximation with sutures, placement of the mesh reinforcement device, and completion of securing the mesh. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and performed by different surgical team members simultaneously, reducing total surgical time.
3Strength
If mesh reinforcement device with hooks is used to provide additional tensile strength, then closure reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hooks are integrally formed with the mesh device as a single unified component rather than separate attachments. This merging of functions (mesh for distribution + hooks for anchoring) into one device reduces the number of separate components, simplifies the surgical procedure, and eliminates the need for additional attachment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes tensile forces across the closure, provides a framework for suture attachment, and the integrated hooks offer anchoring capability in the subcutaneous tissue. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate reinforcement components.
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcement device comprises a sheet of biocompatible material equipped with a plurality of hooks or apertures for reinforcing the closure of a surgical incision, including elongated abdominal incisions. The reinforcement device, when implanted through surgery, reduces the likelihood of and/or prevents incisional hernias. The reinforcement device may be included in a surgical kit.